The special report by SRF - Swiss Radio and Television in the Kassensturz format deals with the question: "Collecting plastic - useful or an alibi exercise?"
We are part of the report and show how high-quality plastic recycling works in practice. Our managing directors Philippe Model and Markus Tonner provide exciting insights into our work.
Switzerland faces major challenges when it comes to recycling household plastics. A significant proportion of plastic waste continues to be thermally utilised, while only a comparatively small proportion is recycled.
This is precisely where RecyPac's nationwide collection system comes in: The aim is to collect plastic packaging and beverage cartons in a standardised manner and recycle them to a high standard.
The programme follows the path of the collected plastic - from collection to sorting and reprocessing. Modern systems such as those from Loacker Recycling GmbH separate plastics precisely by polymer type using near-infrared technology. Scientific analyses and life cycle assessments, including those by Carbotech AG, show the conditions under which plastics recycling makes ecological sense.
The economic dimension will also be discussed: The lack of legal requirements for recycling rates and international competitive pressure are making market conditions for high-quality recycling more difficult. At the same time, organisations such as Greenpeace Switzerland and Swiss Consumer Protection emphasise that recycling alone does not reduce plastic consumption.
Innovations are also emerging in research: EPFL is working on bio-based plastics from renewable resources to replace fossil raw materials in the long term.
The "Kassensturz" report makes it clear:
Plastic recycling only works if collection, sorting, processing, industry and legislation all work together.
It is not an alibi - but it is not the only solution either. The interaction of all players along the value chain is crucial.
We would like to thank SRF and all those involved for their cooperation and the nuanced discussion of this important topic.